Join a marine turtle conservation project in Tanzania on the island of Zanzibar, specifically in the town of Makunduchi. Your role helps provide turtles with a safe environment, allowing them to reach adulthood before being released into the ocean each year. Your contribution to this project can take various forms, such as monitoring water quality, maintaining nets for juveniles, and much more!

Program Description

The marine turtle conservation program in Makunduchi, Zanzibar, aims to protect these endangered species. This program is dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured turtles so they can be released back into their natural habitat, contributing to the global turtle population.

Participants will work closely with local conservation teams to clean turtle habitats, monitor hatchings, and raise awareness within the community about marine preservation.

You will also have the opportunity to explore Zanzibar’s stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and rich, diverse culture.

Your Role as a Volunteer

• Assist in the rehabilitation and care of injured marine turtles.
• Help maintain clean and safe beaches for turtle nesting.
• Collect seaweed from the Indian Ocean – an essential food source for turtles!
• Feed the turtles.
• Monitor the growth of young turtles and release them into the ocean.
• Raise awareness among the local community about marine conservation.
• Help collect data on turtle populations and behavior.
• Assist in cleaning the turtle habitat.

You will work with the local team on-site to support the smooth operation of the facility and the well-being of the turtles.

The center’s main objective is to rescue injured turtles from local fishermen, provide them with care and treatment, and release them back into the wild once they have recovered. During the nesting season, the center also collects eggs, ensures they hatch, and releases baby turtles into the sea.

The rehabilitation center also has a mission to plant and cultivate seaweed around the site to improve the turtles’ natural habitat.

Orientation Day

On your first day, you will have an orientation session with the local team to introduce you to the facilities, other volunteers, and explain the schedule for the upcoming days. You will also tour Makunduchi to locate shops, ATMs, and other key points of interest near your accommodation.

For the rest of the week, the program continues, and you will carry out various tasks related to turtle conservation, habitat protection, and the smooth running of the center.

A local team is always on-site to ensure the program runs efficiently and to assist volunteers when needed.

Why Participate?

• Care for injured marine turtles and help reintegrate them into their natural habitat.
• Raise awareness about the importance of protecting marine turtles and ocean life.
• Contribute to the preservation of turtle habitats by keeping them clean and safe.
• Observe and assist in the release of young turtles into the ocean.
• Explore the vibrant coral reefs.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with the Zanzibar community.